Henry Smith Portrait

Henry Smith

Conservative - Crawley

First elected: 6th May 2010


Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill
18th Jan 2023 - 25th Jan 2023
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill
5th Jan 2022 - 12th Jan 2022
Animal (Penalty Notices) Bill
1st Dec 2021 - 8th Dec 2021
Committees on Arms Export Controls (formerly Quadripartite Committee)
10th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact
13th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
International Development Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Committees on Arms Export Controls
10th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
European Scrutiny Committee
26th Jul 2010 - 30th Mar 2015


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Henry Smith has voted in 790 divisions, and 27 times against the majority of their Party.

25 Mar 2021 - Coronavirus - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 35 Conservative No votes vs 305 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 484 Noes - 76
10 Feb 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Conservative No votes vs 327 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 526 Noes - 24
20 Jan 2021 - National Security and Investment Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative Aye votes vs 350 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 269 Noes - 351
30 Dec 2020 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 328 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 335 Noes - 212
1 Dec 2020 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 53 Conservative No votes vs 290 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 291 Noes - 78
4 Nov 2020 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 33 Conservative No votes vs 308 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 516 Noes - 38
13 Oct 2020 - Public Health: Coronavirus Regulations - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 42 Conservative No votes vs 298 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 299 Noes - 82
12 Oct 2020 - Agriculture Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative No votes vs 327 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 279
6 Oct 2020 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative No votes vs 285 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 287 Noes - 17
1 Jul 2020 - Finance Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative Aye votes vs 316 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 254 Noes - 317
30 Jun 2020 - Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 332 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 252 Noes - 332
17 Jun 2020 - Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 23 Conservative Aye votes vs 283 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 31 Noes - 400
10 Mar 2020 - Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 36 Conservative Aye votes vs 301 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 282 Noes - 306
8 Nov 2021 - Telecommunications (Security) Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative No votes vs 266 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 273 Noes - 161
30 Nov 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 32 Conservative No votes vs 259 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 431 Noes - 36
7 Dec 2021 - Nationality and Borders Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Conservative Aye votes vs 305 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 245 Noes - 309
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 97 Conservative No votes vs 224 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 369 Noes - 126
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 60 Conservative No votes vs 258 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 385 Noes - 100
14 Mar 2022 - Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 283 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 179 Noes - 286
14 Mar 2022 - Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 283 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 179 Noes - 286
18 Oct 2022 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 103 Conservative No votes vs 113 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 297 Noes - 110
22 Mar 2023 - CRIMINAL LAW - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative No votes vs 282 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 290 Noes - 14
5 Sep 2023 - Energy Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Conservative No votes vs 275 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 19
4 Dec 2023 - Victims and Prisoners Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 22 Conservative Aye votes vs 238 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 246 Noes - 242
16 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 57 Conservative Aye votes vs 262 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 58 Noes - 525
16 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 58 Conservative Aye votes vs 262 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 68 Noes - 529
17 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Henry Smith voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 59 Conservative Aye votes vs 266 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 536
View All Henry Smith Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Grant Shapps (Conservative)
Secretary of State for Defence
(21 debate interactions)
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(19 debate interactions)
James Cleverly (Conservative)
Home Secretary
(18 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(27 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(20 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Henry Smith's debates

Crawley Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Revoke all licences (PEL) for commercial breeders of laboratory animals. Require all Project Licences (PPLs) applications be reviewed by an independent Non Animal Methods (NAMs) specialist committee. Revise s24 ASPA 1986 to allow review. Urge International Regulators to accept & promote NAMs.

Hundreds of thousands of people signed numerous petitions calling for actions that the Government has included in the Kept Animals Bill. The Government should urgently find time to allow the Bill to complete its journey through Parliament and become law.


Latest EDMs signed by Henry Smith

11th April 2019
Henry Smith signed this EDM on Tuesday 23rd April 2019

Exiting the European Union

Tabled by: William Cash (Conservative - Stone)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (Exit Day) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (S.I., 2019, No. 859), dated 11 April 2019, a copy of which was laid before this House on 11 April 2019, be annulled.
82 signatures
(Most recent: 29 Apr 2019)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 70
Democratic Unionist Party: 7
Independent: 4
Non-affiliated: 1
View All Henry Smith's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Henry Smith, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Henry Smith has not been granted any Urgent Questions

2 Adjournment Debates led by Henry Smith

Wednesday 6th September 2023
Tuesday 24th January 2023

5 Bills introduced by Henry Smith


A Bill to make provision prohibiting the import of hunting trophies into Great Britain.

Commons Completed
Lords - 60%

Last Event - Committee Stage
Tuesday 12th September 2023
(Read Debate)

A Bill to prohibit the caging of commercially reared, egg-laying hens and pullets; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Commons
Friday 13th May 2011

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to allow persons descended from individuals born in the British Indian Ocean Territory to register as British overseas territories citizens; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 16th January 2018
(Read Debate)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the Secretary of State to instruct the National Health Service to record and audit the cost of treatment of individuals not entitled to free health care and of foreign nationals under the European Health Insurance Card Scheme and other reciprocal healthcare agreements; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 11th September 2012

26 Bills co-sponsored by Henry Smith

Immigration and Nationality Fees (Exemption for NHS Clinical Staff) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Rob Roberts (Ind)

Employment Equality (Insurance etc) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Natalie Elphicke (Con)

Aviation Banning Orders (Disruptive Passengers) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Gareth Johnson (Con)

Public Houses (Electrical Safety) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Andrew Rosindell (Con)

Seals (Protection) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tracey Crouch (Con)

Voter Registration Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Vehicle Registration Offences (Penalty Points) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Andrew Griffith (Con)

Road User Charging (Outer London) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gareth Johnson (Con)

Pig Husbandry (Farrowing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - David Amess (Con)

Hospitals (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Andrew Rosindell (Con)

Aviation Banning Orders (Disruptive Passengers) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gareth Johnson (Con)

Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) (No.2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Pauline Latham (Con)

June Bank Holiday (Creation) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Hares Preservation Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - George Eustice (Con)

Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Kerry McCarthy (Lab)

Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Pauline Latham (Con)

Hospital (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Voter Registration (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Child Cruelty (Sentences) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Tom Tugendhat (Con)

Minimum Service Obligation (High Street Cashpoints) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Huw Merriman (Con)

Business of the House Commission Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Live Animal Exports (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Theresa Villiers (Con)

Rail Ombudsman Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Tim Loughton (Con)

British Victims of Terrorism (Asset-Freezing and Compensation) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Andrew Rosindell (Con)

Improvement of Rail Passenger Services (Use of Disruption Payments) Bill 2015-16
Sponsor - Joan Ryan (TIG)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
4 Other Department Questions
26th Jan 2024
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of (a) legal and (b) other protections for the right of vegans and vegetarians to manifest their beliefs in care settings.

Ethical veganism has previously been found to be a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010 by an employment tribunal, in an employment context. While this is not binding in other cases, all employers and service providers, including those who administer care homes and hospitals, should have regard to the differing dietary needs of people who they provide meals to, whether these are determined by health considerations, religious or philosophical belief. Providers should also recognise that food is not the only aspect of how ethical vegans conduct their lives and where possible should ensure that these other aspects are catered for.

Care providers should be aware that service users such as care home residents and ward patients may bring claims under the Act, where they consider they have been treated less favourably because of their belief in ethical veganism. In addition, public sector providers are subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty which requires them, in carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to achieve the objectives set out under s149 of the Equality Act 2010 to:

(a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010; (b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it and (c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. Specific duties, set out in regulations, ensure transparency, and assist in the performance of this duty.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulate care homes as well as other health and care providers. One of the fundamental standards is on nutritional and hydration needs. Please see the link below.

https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/regulations/regulation-14-meeting-nutritional-hydration-needs

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
13th Nov 2023
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to page 22 of the Vegan Society’s report entitled, Catering for Everyone: How far are councils catering to vegans, published in September 2023, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the report's findings on the level of recognition by local authorities of veganism as a protected characteristic.

Ethical veganism has previously been found to be a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010 by an employment tribunal, in an employment context. While this is not binding in other cases, all employers and service providers, including local authorities, should have regard to the differing dietary needs of people who they provide meals to, whether these are determined by health considerations, religious or philosophical belief. They should be aware that employees or service users may bring claims under the Act, where they consider they have been treated less favourably because of their belief in ethical veganism.

In addition, councils are subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty which requires them, in carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to achieve the objectives set out under s149 of the Equality Act 2010 to:

(a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010; (b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it and (c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. Specific duties, set out in regulations, ensure transparency, and assist in the performance of this duty.

A person who believes that they have experienced discrimination because of a philosophical belief can take their case to a tribunal or court. Before doing so, they may wish to contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS), a Government-funded helpline, which is the initial point of contact for anyone with discrimination concerns. The EASS provides free bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals with discrimination concerns. The EASS also supports individuals to resolve issues using alternative informal dispute resolution and can advise you on what are the next steps to take when you feel you have been discriminated against. The EASS can also advise people on their options and can be contacted through their website at www.equalityadvisoryservice.com, by telephone on 0808 800 0082 or text phone on 0808 800 0084.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
3rd Mar 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what recent discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on the role of the food system in global emissions.

In February 2021, the UK and Indonesia established the Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue, bringing together major producer and consumer countries of agricultural commodities to work together to protect forests while promoting development and trade. COP President addressed members of the dialogue on the importance of the food system in global emissions and building sustainable supply chains to keep 1.5 degrees alive and saw the launch of the FACT Roadmap at COP26, which committed members to work together to advance sustainable production and trade, and outlining actions to incentivise sustainability, support smallholder farmers, improve transparency of supply chains, and drive innovation.

The UK Government and World Bank co-convened a Policy Dialogue on Accelerating Transition to Sustainable Agriculture, which brought together 34 leading countries to share their experience and opportunities to deliver transformation through repurposing public policies and support and innovation. The UK COP Presidency raised visibility and mobilised action for transformation in agriculture, land use and food systems. We will continue to work with key partners in taking forward delivery of COP26 commitments in 2022 to deliver on the ambition of accelerating a transition to a more sustainable food system.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
4th Jun 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether the Government has made an assessment of the potential merits of appointing a Minister responsible for male-specific issues.

The Equality Act requires the interests of both sexes to be considered when assessing equality impacts. The Government is focussed on delivering genuine equality of opportunity by addressing the real problems people, whatever their sex, face in their everyday lives using evidence and data.

That is why we recently announced the Equality Data Programme, a comprehensive project to improve equality data, enhance our understanding of equality, and get to the heart of the barriers all people face.

As ministerial appointments are made by the Prime Minister, any changes to ministerial titles would be a matter for him to consider. However, all Equalities Ministers have a responsibility to carefully consider issues affecting men and boys as part of their remit even where this is not necessarily indicated in their job title.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
22nd Feb 2023
To ask the Attorney General, how many (a) men and (b) women were (i) prosecuted and (ii) convicted for domestic abuse in (A) 2020-21 and (B) 2021/22.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) holds data showing the number of defendants flagged with a domestic abuse monitoring flag. These records can be separated to show the outcome of the prosecution and by the sex of the defendant. The table below shows the number of defendants, by sex, prosecuted and convicted in the two years ending March 2022.

2020-2021

2021-2022

Prosecuted

Convicted

% Convicted

Prosecuted

Convicted

% Convicted

Women

4,354

3,223

74.0%

4,445

3,246

73.0%

Men

50,090

39,302

78.5%

48,663

37,325

76.7%

Data Source: CPS Case Management Information System

The data above is classed as management information as defendants are flagged when allegations of domestic abuse are made.

Michael Tomlinson
Minister of State (Minister for Illegal Migration)
5th Nov 2020
What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the extension to the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

The unduly lenient sentence scheme was extended to incorporate further serious offences, in November of last year.

The horrendous crime of stalking involving serious alarm or distress was one of the offences which was added.

I am pleased to tell the House that this extension meant I was able to refer a case recently to the Court of Appeal, one in which the sentence of the offender was more than doubled.

11th Jan 2024
What steps his Department is taking to strengthen national security.

The Cabinet Office leads and coordinates the UK’s national security crisis response through the Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR), and national security policy through the National Security Council structures. This includes the National Cyber Strategy, National Security and Investment Programme, and the Biological Security Strategy, all of which the department is taking essential steps to deliver.

Key successes in 2023 included publishing the Integrated Review Refresh, passing the National Security Act, launching the Emergency Alerting scheme and delivering the Atlantic Declaration and risk elements of the AI Summit. So far in 2024, we have launched a new Strategic Dialogue on Biological Security with the US and continued to coordinate the response to the conflict in Gaza and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent steps his Department is taking to strengthen national security.

The Cabinet Office leads on, and coordinates across government, key elements of the UK’s national security policy. This includes the development and implementation of the Integrated Review Refresh. Published in March, the Refresh updated the government’s security, defence, development and foreign policy priorities to reflect changes in the global context since the Integrated Review 2021. Flowing from this, the Cabinet Office has played a key role in developing and overseeing the National Cyber Strategy, National Security and Investment Programme, and the Biological Security Strategy. The department is taking essential steps to ensure delivery of these and other issues.

Specific recent outcomes include the launch of the National Security and Investment Act call for evidence, and the leading role the department has played in coordinating the government’s response to several international and domestic crises.



Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
9th Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what additional support the Government is providing to Armed Forces charities to help increase the capacity and delivery of (a) mental health and (b) suicide prevention initiatives for veterans.

This government will continue to prioritise supporting veterans with their mental health needs. There is a range of statutory support for veterans across the UK, including the bespoke mental health service for veterans in England: Op COURAGE.

Charities continue to play a vital role in helping veterans with their mental health, and I pay tribute to them for all they do. The Government provided £20m in 2021 to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to support Service charities comprising the £10m annual allocation plus extra £10m announced in the 2021 Budget. In addition, we provided £5m through the Afghanistan Veterans’ Fund. These funds included provision for initiatives to improve capacity in mental health and wellbeing provision, and suicide prevention.

Johnny Mercer
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Minister for Veterans' Affairs)
16th Mar 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of (a) the number of counter terrorist checks expected to be made in 2022, (b) the number of counter terrorist checks expected to be made in 2022 for workers in the aviation sector and (c) the resources to ensure these checks are completed in a timely manner.

To reveal demand and forecasts for National Security Vetting (NSV) is likely to prejudice national security. It would also impact the protective measures employed in safeguarding Her Majesty’s Government (HMG). This information is therefore exempt under Section 24 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Notwithstanding the above, UKSV works closely with customer groups and decision-making authorities to understand their forecasted demand for the provision of vetting services. In turn this allows for an appropriate resourcing forecast.

10th Mar 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to require all Government (a) buildings and (b) infrastructure to have a defibrillator.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Swansea East, on 10 March to Question PQ 131244.

21st Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government is taking steps ahead of the UK’s Presidency of the G7 in summer 2021 to ensure that (a) the safe reopening of borders and (b) restart of international aviation is a priority of the G7.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
15th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the findings by the Royal National Institute of Blind People in their report entitled Turned out 2019 that 68 per cent of blind postal voters and 22 per cent of partially sighted postal voters at the December 2019 General Election had to use assistance from another person to enable them to vote, what plans he has to review the accessibility of the postal vote system.

The Government is committed to ensuring that elections are accessible for all those eligible to vote and has already been working with the RNIB to improve the voting process for voters with sight loss.

It is important for security purposes that a physical poll card is sent to every elector at the property where they are registered, but we have already considered how electoral information might additionally be made available in more accessible format for those who request it.

Returning Officers already publish details of candidates in the order they will appear on the ballot paper online. We will work with partners in the electoral sector to ensure this information is accessible.

The Government will continue to work with the RNIB, the Electoral Commission and other relevant organisations to make blind and partially sighted voters aware of the support available to them at the polling station, and to consider what additional support could be provided to help blind and partially sighted people to vote including by post.

6th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to exonerate sub-postmasters prosecuted due to the Post Office Horizon system.

On 10 January, Government announced its intention to bring forward legislation to overturn the convictions of all those convicted in England or Wales on the basis of Post Office evidence during the Horizon scandal. This work is proceeding at pace and legislation will be introduced within weeks. These individuals will become eligible for compensation; this includes the upfront offer of £600,000 or to claim more via the individual claim assessment process.

Compensation is already open to postmasters who were prosecuted but not convicted.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to engage with tier 2 suppliers developing new hydrogen technology for the aviation sector.

The Department for Business and Trade is investing £685m through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme to co-fund the development of zero-carbon and ultra-efficient aircraft technology and cross-cutting enablers. This includes collaborative R&D projects to develop new hydrogen technologies.

We are funding the ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network Phase 0 project to explore the operating model for open access facilities to accelerate the development of liquid hydrogen aircraft technologies and capabilities.

As part of the Jet Zero Council, a Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group is advising on how government and industry can work together to accelerate the adoption of zero emission flight.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
12th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, steps her Department is taking to increase investment in the domestic battery recycling industry.

The Critical Minerals Refresh published in March, sets out our approach to delivering on the Critical Minerals Strategy, and confirms our participation in the Minerals Security Partnership. Working with international partners, this aims to spur investment in supply chains across four pillars, including recycling and reuse, and will support our work to accelerate a circular economy of critical minerals in the UK.

The Government is also funding record investment in battery innovation and commercialisation, including in recycling. The £541m Faraday Battery Challenge is supporting projects such as REBLEND, which is developing commercial processes to directly recover valuable cathode active materials (CAM) for reuse in automotive batteries. The project is led by Ecoshred, with University of Leicester, University of Birmingham, Minviro, Iconichem Widnes, Watercycle Technologies, Ecolamp Recycling, and Cornish Lithium.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
12th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the report by the British Geological Society entitled Potential for Critical Raw Material Prospectivity in the UK, published on 17 April 2023, what steps her Department is taking to develop a domestic critical minerals industry.

The report “Potential for Critical Raw Material Prospectivity in the UK” delivers on the commitment in the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy to collate geoscientific data and identify target areas of potential for critical minerals within the UK. We are working with the British Geological Survey to understand next steps.

Through the Critical Minerals Strategy we are working to accelerate the UK’s domestic capabilities along the whole critical minerals value chain. Our support for businesses like Cornish Lithium and Green Lithium shows our determination to put the Strategy into action. We have also established the new Task & Finish Group on Industry Resilience for Critical Minerals which will investigate the critical mineral dependencies and vulnerabilities faced by UK Industry and help it to mitigate risks.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
12th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to support electric vehicle manufacturing.

The Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) aims to support the creation of an internationally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK. The Government continues to work with industry via the ATF to unlock strategic investments in gigafactories, motors and drives, power electronics, and fuel cell systems.

In the coming months, after engagement with industry, the Government will build on the ATF and the long-term Advanced Propulsion Centre R&D programme to take decisive action to ensure future investment in the manufacturing of zero emission vehicles.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
15th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of grid constraints on the ability to charge electric vehicles in rural areas.

Ofgem is responsible for regulating electricity network companies to deliver their infrastructure. As part of the recent electricity distribution network price control, of the £22.2bn allowed, Ofgem has allowed networks £3.1bn for network upgrades. This will ensure that low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicle charge points, can be installed across Great Britain, including in rural areas.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the impact of giving Ofgem responsibility for delivering a net-zero economy on the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The Government has published a draft Strategy & Policy Statement for energy policy, making clear Ofgem’s role in promoting our net zero targets. The recent amendment by the House of Lords to Ofgem’s decarbonisation duty is being considered.

Of the £22.2bn allowed as part of the current electricity distribution network price control, set by Ofgem, £3.1bn has been allocated for network upgrades to allow for the installation of low carbon technologies, like electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The role out of charging infrastructure is also being supported by the government’s Rapid Charging Fund and the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Dec 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, during the debate on Genomics and national security of 8 March 2023, Official Report column 120WH, what steps she is taking to investigate the national security risks associated with (i) BGI Group and (ii) MGI Tech.

Organisations which hold sensitive biological data are subject to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In addition, organisations such as Genomics England, UK Biobank and NIHR BioResource actively consider national security in decision making about partnerships with companies overseas.

As part of the new UK Biological Security Strategy, the Government is undertaking a programme of work to assess how we can minimise the risks from biological data to protect our burgeoning bioeconomy, without stifling innovation, and build confidence in sharing personal data to improve health outcomes in the UK and across the world. The Office for Life Sciences has begun this work, in consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies across Government, and key partners such as Genomics England and UK Biobank.

Andrew Griffith
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
13th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to (a) prepare for the World radiocommunication conference and (b) protect the UK's interests in space at that conference.

I recognise the importance of the decisions of the World Radiocommunications Conference to UK industry, especially the space sector.

Government and Ofcom have developed our negotiating positions since the last conference in 2019, balancing the interests of multiple operators, networks and services in both space and terrestrial environments. UK stakeholders have been given the opportunity to influence our approach and Ofcom consulted in 2022.

At the conference, Ofcom will lead the UK delegation which will include officials from departments and agencies with spectrum interests. This includes DSIT, the Ministry of Defence, UK Space Agency, and the Met Office.

13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to include the potential impact of the Chinese state’s activity relating to genomics on national security in any international framework that is developed at the UK AI safety summit in November 2023.

The Government does not comment on specific details of national security assessments. The Summit will aim to develop a forward process on how to support national and international frameworks on AI safety which include emerging issues such as biosecurity and cybersecurity, including from the potential misuse of models by non-state actors.

13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the field of genomics will form part of the agenda at the upcoming AI Summit in November 2023.

The UK Summit will focus on frontier AI risks, which includes risks from frontier AI models to biosecurity (and within that, genomics), which are increasingly urgent to address at an international level. The Government is also undertaking a full programme of work to assess how we can minimise the risks from biological data and protect our burgeoning bioeconomy.

13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether representatives of (a) BGI Group, (b) subsidiaries of BGI Group and (c) companies in which BGI Group has invested have been invited to attend the UK AI safety summit scheduled to take place in November 2023.

To ensure the AI Safety Summit can achieve its objectives, it is necessary to have a small but international discussion at the event. This will limit the participants to around 100, including world leaders and companies at the cutting edge of frontier AI. The UK has actively considered national security in decision making to ensure that the partnerships and invitees are aligned with our National Security interests. Further information about invitees will be made available in due course.

20th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of publishing a plan to accelerate the reduction of animal testing in the UK.

Government’s approach is to actively support and fund the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs), primarily through funding from UK Research and Innovation for the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) - who have committed £31.6 million for research and innovation into these causes in the past 5 years - and to ensure that the UK has a robust regulatory system for licensing animal studies.

The NC3Rs are on track to meet their commitment to invest 75% of their research and innovation budget on replacement technologies by the end of 2024.

2nd Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she will provide further funding to support the scientific community in transitioning from animal-based research to (a) organ-on-a-chip, (b) artificial intelligence and (c) other human-specific methodologies.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) continues to provide core funding for the National Centre for 3Rs (NC3Rs), which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies.

UKRI funds a portfolio of research projects involving humans, human materials, animal models, and non-animal technologies, including a joint £4.7 million joint funding call with the NC3Rs launched last year, focussed on supporting next generation non-animal technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 15 February 2023 to question 141449 on Animal Experiments, what steps she has taken to engage with regulators on the development of non-animal technologies.

In addition to this Department, the use of animals in science touches on a number of other departmental responsibilities, including the Home Office who administer and enforce The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Officials within these departments continue to work together to support the delivery of important scientific research, including through the development of non-animal technologies, and the protection of animals.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 15 February 2023 to Question 141449 on Animal Experiments, and with reference to the Non-Animal Technologies Roadmap, what progress she has made on the establishment of a strategic advisory board; and whether she plans to update the Roadmap regularly.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies.

The recommendations in the Non-Animal Technologies Roadmap continue to be delivered including a £1.6 million commitment for the development of a virtual dog to help reduce the use of dogs in the safety testing of new medicines and £4.7 million funding for next generation non-animal technologies that provide reliable, predictive and cost-effective alternatives to the use of animals. Scientists and representatives from regulatory bodies are involved in these efforts to accelerate the use of non-animal technologies.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 15 February 2023 to Question 141449 on Animal Experiments, what progress the Government has made on implementation of the Non-Animal Technologies Roadmap; what future steps she plans to take to implement the Roadmap; and whether she plans to publish an updated roadmap.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies.

The recommendations in the Non-Animal Technologies Roadmap continue to be delivered including a £1.6 million commitment for the development of a virtual dog to help reduce the use of dogs in the safety testing of new medicines and £4.7 million funding for next generation non-animal technologies that provide reliable, predictive and cost-effective alternatives to the use of animals. Scientists and representatives from regulatory bodies are involved in these efforts to accelerate the use of non-animal technologies.

22nd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the US Department of Commerce adding BGI Tech Solutions (Hong Kong) to its export blacklist, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of this company being awarded contracts by UK universities on national security; and whether her Department has provided guidance to universities with research partnerships with organisations deemed by the UK's allies to pose a significant threat to (a) national security and (b) human rights.

The Government is committed to supporting UK businesses and academia to engage with any and all international collaborations that includes BGI in a way that reflects the UK’s values and takes account of national security concerns. We proactively engage with business and academia to make them aware of national security risks, including through the RCAT programme which supports universities with risk assessment.

The Government supports the academic sector to make informed decisions on international research collaboration through the Trusted Research campaign and supported Universities UK to develop guidelines, published in October 2020, to help universities tackle security risks related to international collaboration.

As part of the new UK Biological Security Strategy, which is due for publication in the coming months, the Government is currently undertaking a full programme of work to assess how we can minimise the risks from biological data to protect our burgeoning bioeconomy, shape global norms and standards, without stifling innovation, and build confidence in sharing personal data to improve health outcomes in the UK and across the world.

22nd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State on BGI Group in the debate on Genomics and National Security on 8 March 2023, Official Report, column 120WH, whether he plans to provide guidance to (a) business and (b) universities that have formed research partnerships with BGI Group on the potential risks of working with that company.

The Government is committed to supporting UK businesses and academia to engage with any and all international collaborations that includes BGI in a way that reflects the UK’s values and takes account of national security concerns. We proactively engage with business and academia to make them aware of national security risks, including through the RCAT programme which supports universities with risk assessment.

The Government supports the academic sector to make informed decisions on international research collaboration through the Trusted Research campaign and supported Universities UK to develop guidelines, published in October 2020, to help universities tackle security risks related to international collaboration.

As part of the new UK Biological Security Strategy, which is due for publication in the coming months, the government is currently undertaking a full programme of work to assess how we can minimise the risks from biological data to protect our burgeoning bioeconomy, shape global norms and standards, without stifling innovation, and build confidence in sharing personal data to improve health outcomes in the UK and across the world.

7th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to support innovation in developing new non-animal technologies and approaches in science.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs), which works to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies.

The NC3Rs, UKRI and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have developed a Non-Animal Technologies Roadmap setting out a 2030 vision and strategy for how non-animal technologies could be used to replace the use of animals in research across a number of sectors. The NC3Rs also has set out its strategy to increase the focus on animal replacement technologies.

7th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing funding for research into technology to replace the use of animals in research and testing.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and continues to actively support and fund the development and dissemination of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) for the use of animals in scientific procedures. This is achieved through UK Research and Innovation’s funding of the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies, and through research into the development of alternatives by Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

7th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the use of non-animal (a) technologies and (b) approaches in scientific research.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and continues to actively support and fund the development and dissemination of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) for the use of animals in scientific procedures. This is achieved through UK Research and Innovation’s funding of the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies, and through research into the development of alternatives by Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

7th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential for increasing the (a) development and (b) use of alternatives to experiments on animals.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and continues to actively support and fund the development and dissemination of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) for the use of animals in scientific procedures. This is achieved through UK Research and Innovation’s funding of the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies, and through research into the development of alternatives by Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

18th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether plant-based foods are included under Standard industrial classification of economic activities code 10.89 manufacture of other food products n.e.c. under the Energy Discount Scheme.

Organisations with primary operations in the list of eligible Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) sectors for the Energy Bill Discount Scheme, as published on gov.uk, will be eligible for the higher level of support through the scheme. If organisations are unsure of that code, they can find out online through Companies House, by using their company name or registration number. Further information is available from Companies House on SIC code classification:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1128033/230104_ETII_List_for_gov.uk.pdf.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether plant-based alternative foods are eligible for higher level support under the Energy Discount Scheme; and what standard industrial classification of economic activities code applies to this area of food production.

Organisations that have a contract with a licensed energy supplier and are exposed to volatile energy prices will see a discount applied to their gas and electricity bill through the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme from April 2023.

Some sectors are particularly vulnerable to high energy prices due to their energy intensive nature and trade exposure. Organisations with primary operations in the list of eligible Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) sectors for the scheme, as published on gov.uk, will be eligible for a substantially higher level of support. If organisations are unsure of that code, they can find out online through Companies House, by using their company name or registration number. Further information is available from Companies House on SIC code classification.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1128033/230104_ETII_List_for_gov.uk.pdf.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support (a) households and (b) businesses with fuel costs in winter 2022-23.

For households, the Energy Price Guarantee limits the amount that can be charged for gas and electricity and will save a typical British household around £900 this winter. The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides households with a non-repayable £400 discount off energy bills, delivered automatically via electricity suppliers. Support is also available for households using alternative fuels and households not on standard electricity contracts.

For businesses the Energy Bill Relief scheme provides a reduction in energy prices automatically applied to eligible bills. Equivalent support will be provided for non-domestic consumers who use alternative fuels instead of gas. There will be further details to follow as soon as possible.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing funding to support Helpathon initiatives consisting of collaborative workshops to support biomedical researchers identify animal-free research methods.

The Government actively supports and funds the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce, and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs).  This is achieved primarily through funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs), which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of 3Rs technologies and ensure that advances in the 3Rs are reflected in policy, practice, and regulations on animal research. Since the NC3Rs was launched in 2004, it has committed £100 million in research to develop 3Rs technologies and its scientific staff have led research projects, in collaboration with academic and industry partners, that have been used to inform changes in policy and regulations on the use of animals in research.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
17th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has plans to develop innovative and effective alternatives to animal experiments as part of its efforts to make the UK a science superpower.

UK Research and Innovation encourages the development of new methodologies in all areas of health research and funds the development of non-animal technologies both directly through research council funding rounds and by its core funding commitment to the National Centre for 3Rs of £49.1 million over 5 years.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has just launched £4 million of funding targeted at developing the next generation of non-animal technology and driving the uptake of existing non-animal technology.

14th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has had recent discussions with representatives of the metals recycling sector on the potential impact on their businesses of the loss of their entitlement to use red diesel.

The Government recognised that the changes to red diesel entitlements announced at Budget 2020 would be a significant change for some businesses and ran a consultation to gather information from affected users on the expected impact of these tax changes. As part of this, the Government engaged directly with a wide variety of organisations from all parts of the UK and carefully analysed all consultation responses received, including from the British Metals Recycling Association.

The metals recycling sector is eligible for support through the £289 million Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) and the £34 million Scottish IETF. These programmes provide capital support to industrial sites, helping them to become more energy efficient and to switch away from fossil fuels to lower carbon alternatives. We have recently promoted this funding opportunity with the British Metals Recycling Association, welcoming applications from sites impacted by the removal of the red diesel rebate.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
8th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make a statement on the Government’s Spending Review commitment to extend funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute to 2031 to meet its Jet Zero ambitions.

At the October Spending Review, my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer extended the £1.95 billion funding commitment to the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme from 2026 to 2031. To date, £1.6 billion has been awarded to over 340 collaborative R&D projects spread across the UK. This activity will help to drive the development of new low and zero-carbon emission aircraft technology, which forms an important part of our Jet Zero ambition to decarbonise aviation.

We will work through the annual profile of funding for the ATI programme, including when the programme will re-open to new R&D grant applications, over the coming months. Further information on the programme will be provided following that work.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
14th Sep 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will tackle gaps in consumer protections for people making energy efficiency improvements to homes and installing low-carbon heating in the forthcoming Net Zero Strategy.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that improvements meet high standards and provide appropriate consumer protection.

The forthcoming Net Zero Strategy and Heat and Buildings Strategy will look to further address consumer protection.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has to (a) conduct and (b) provide funding for external organisations to conduct research into the effectiveness of covid-19 vaccinations for (a) people with blood cancer and (b) other immunocompromised people.

UKRI is currently funding one study of direct relevance to these areas. UKRI has allocated an initial £1.8 million to the OCTAVE study, led by Professor Iain McInnes, University of Glasgow, for a twelve-month period, and is considering a case for additional funding beyond this. OCTAVE is supporting research on vaccine responses in groups of immune-supressed individuals, including those with inflammatory disorders, high risk cancer patient groups, and patients with severe kidney and liver disease. Cancer patient groups include chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, myeloma, acute leukaemia, and bone marrow transplants. As the OCTAVE study is being managed as a single project it is not possible to give costs for the individual groups.

In addition, there are proposals on vaccine responses in high-risk clinical groups under consideration as part of the UKRI COVID-19 Agile call, with announcements to be made shortly. Furthermore, UKRI continues to accept applications for COVID-19 related research, including on this topic, through its active calls, which can be found on the UKRI website.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
2nd Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Transport Secretary on plans for lifting covid-19 international travel restrictions to give the aerospace sector the long-term vision to recover from the pandemic.

The Department is in regular contact with the Department for Transport on the impacts of COVID-19 on the aerospace sector. Both BEIS and the Department for Transport (DfT) recognise the importance of the UK aerospace industry to the economy and the vital role it will play in the post-pandemic recovery.

DfT engages with the industry via multiple channels, focusing on a wide range of issues affecting the industry such as EU Exit transition, Covid-19 impact, technical certification and specification, and international cooperation.